Support Shelley’s Rare Devic Disease Recovery

On behalf of Shelley Norfleet, we are writing to inform you of the devastating news that Shelley was diagnosed with NEUROMYELITIS OPTICA SPECTRUM DISORDER (NMOSD), also known as Devic’s disease, a rare,  neurological autoimmune disease where the body’s immune cells attack components of the nervous system. She is currently in a rehabilitation center facility in Washington, D.C.
 
Shelley’s symptoms began in the middle of May, when she became nauseas and started vomiting. By early June, she also lost the ability to swallow. The hospital admitted her, and an MRI revealed a lesion on her brainstem. As the doctors searched for a diagnosis, her symptoms continued to worsen. She soon lost much of her ability to see, walk and talk and experienced weakness on the right side of her body, including the dominant hand she uses to write.
 
The doctors were able to stop the first flare of her disease, and she has been slowly regaining her ability to speak, see and walk. She still experiences great difficulty in swallowing though, including her own saliva, and needs a feeding tube to receive her nutrition and medication.
 
As Shelley recovers, she also will begin treatment soon to prevent another flare, or relapse. It is unclear however, whether her insurance will pay for care at the Johns Hopkins center that specializes in her rare disease. We will be reaching out to the DC health care ombudsman to assist in this matter as her doctors make the medical argument for its necessity.

We are seeking monetary donations to fund expenses not covered by health insurance and to cover immediate future costs including housing. While Shelley is currently unemployed, she will need these funds while she heals.
 
Shelley is a vibrant, selfless human being who has touched so many lives. Her love for life and community is infectious. Originally from Nashville, TN, Shelley currently lives in Washington, D.C. with her cat Katniss. She has always been a service to others, from joining Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at Western Kentucky University to mentoring adults,  raising money for the youth,  feeding the homeless and packing food for food drives, Shelley is an advocate and doer for making the world a better place.
 
We understand that these are hard times for everyone, but we know many of you would want to help our friend Shelley. Your support is deeply appreciated.
 
To learn more about the disease, click here.
 
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/neuromyelitis-optica
 
https://wearesrna.org/living-with-myelitis/disease-information/neuromyelitis-optica-spectrum-disorder/

Best,
Friends of Shelley Norfleet

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